Church Size and Dynamics (Research)

It is interesting to think through the implications of church size and how it allegedly affects the dynamics of ministry of a church. Bibby has done research on this area and reports that:

* The Family Church (50 or fewer people): maintainsthe dynamics of a family that follows the lead and temperament of a few "patriarchs and matriarchs." This happens whether it is a new church or and old church.

* The Pastoral Church (50-150 in attendance): has strong family ties and friendships and an effective pastoral leader.

* The Program Church (150-350 in attendance): the social links are not as close and more responsibility is delegated to the laity.

* The Corporation Church (350 and up in attendance): the governing boards and lead pastor have great influence, there is greater program flexibility; small groups provide the social relations.


[Reginald W. Bibby, The PCPA Congregational Resource Study, unpublished (June 1998), p. 11].

Reasons Young Pastors Leave the Ministry

Interesting read at nakedreligion blog, Why Young Pastors Leave the Ministry. Some of the reasons are listed with irony intended. I'm not sure how we as a fellowship are doing with young pastors and their ministry involvement. The following is a comment that I left on the site (the comment below will make more sense if you read the blog listed above):

Interesting discussion! I was a young pastor....once. Some short responses. From the Pastor's Perspective: The CALL is absolutely critical, (not particularly something mystical, but knowing that God has called an individual for pastoral ministry, and that is where he belongs) which can come in a number of different ways. ATTITUDE is critical. Sometimes working with sheep that belong to the Shepherd we may get kicked and bitten. Sometimes it is our fault for rough handling, other times it may be because of issues that they are facing. I have had to shovel snow, clean toilets, blow leaves off the parking lot, etc., and found myself developing a bad attitude about it. Then had to confess before the Lord that I was doing it for Him (that doesn't mean that I shouldn't be training other people to do it). Sometimes it is our inexperience that creates the issues (Robert MacMillian has a great blog entry: The Great Danger of the Seminary Student ) and our inability or unwillingness to seek council from experienced pastors. UNDERSTANDING OF THE MINISTRY is critical. Look at the life of Jesus and see what He experienced; not great riches, followers left Him, betrayed by a close associate, etc. If the Chief Shepherd experienced this, why do we think we won't or shouldn't (that doesn't mean I like it). Someone has said, "I don't mind being called a servant, I just don't like being treated as one."

From the Church's Perspective: Unfortunately some don't understand what it will take to do ministry. They are stuck in what worked 30 years ago. They said they wanted to reach younger people and families, but don't understand what that change will involve. They want to reach today's generation with yesterday's methods. Some wouldn't want to make the changes, though voiced that they do, others just don't understand the cost. Some churches have the mentality, "Lord you keep him (the pastor) humble and we will keep him poor." And then, there are good churches that want to reach their world for Christ and are willing to make the changes if we as pastors have the wisdom to lead them through the transitions of ministry!

This thing to which we have committed ourselves better be for real, or we, like Paul, "are of most men most miserable!"

If you have comments, please leave them below!